Kirin Brewery Company will launch its limited-edition Kirin Ice Zero Sparkling Valencia Orange nationwide in Japan on 21 July 2026, expanding its range of non-alcoholic chu-hi-style beverages as demand for alcohol alternatives continues to grow.
The new product joins the company’s Kirin Ice Zero Sparkling brand and is designed to deliver the refreshing taste of Valencia oranges while offering an alcohol-free drinking experience. The beverage contains 1% fruit juice and is marketed as calorie-free and sugar-free under Japanese food labelling standards.
Kirin said interest in non-alcoholic chu-hi-flavoured beverages has increased significantly in recent years, driven by growing health awareness and changing drinking habits. According to the company, the number of buyers in the category has doubled between 2019 and 2025.
The latest launch aims to attract new consumers to the non-alcoholic segment by combining fruity flavours with a taste experience that resembles alcoholic beverages.
The product will be sold in 350ml cans across Japan at an open price and will be produced at the company’s Sendai and Fuji Gotemba facilities.
The launch also reflects a broader trend across the global beverage industry, where manufacturers are investing in low- and no-alcohol products to meet changing consumer preferences. Major drinks companies have increasingly expanded their alcohol-free portfolios as retailers dedicate more shelf space to the category.
For beverage suppliers and supermarket buyers, the continued growth of alcohol alternatives signals rising opportunities in a category that is attracting consumers seeking healthier lifestyle choices and more flexible drinking occasions.
Kirin’s latest limited-edition launch adds another seasonal option to Japan’s growing non-alcoholic beverage market and highlights the increasing importance of flavour innovation in the category.
